Brightonvs.Chelsea

In last weekend's FA Cup fourth round tie, Enzo Maresca witnessed his side let slip an early lead to succumb to a 2-1 defeat.

On this occasion in the Premier League, the Blues have the opportunity to move five points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City in the table if they can enjoy contrasting fortunes at the home of the Seagulls.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of their return trip to the South coast.

Wesley Fofana

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana and Maresca have clashed over the former's recovery time from a hamstring injury. However, Fofana has made progress in recent days and is seemingly pushing for his predicted March return date.

Benoit Badiashile

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: February 14 (vs. Brighton)

Fellow defender Benoit Badiashile sustained a thigh problem in training last month, and Maresca has previously conceded that the former Monaco man will be absent until February. However, on the back of progress having been made on the training pitch last week, the Frenchman is pushing for a return.

Omari Kellyman

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Summer signing Omari Kellyman is yet to make his Blues bow due to a serious hamstring injury, and there has still been no update on when the fledgling playmaker might be considered for selection again.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Out

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia is back on the sidelines with a muscle injury just two games having made his latest recovery. Maresca has already suggested that the Belgium international may remain absent until March.

Nicolas Jackson

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: February 14 (vs. Brighton)

Nicolas Jackson seemingly sustained an issue with his hamstring in the first half against West Ham United earlier this month and no risks were taken versus Brighton last weekend. As it stands, the forward is continuing to be monitored ahead of a possible return to the squad.

Marc Guiu

Status: Out

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: Unknown

Marc Guiu suffered a groin injury during the closing stages versus West Ham and Maresca has subsequently revealed that the young forward will be absent for "weeks". As it stands, there is no clear picture over a potential return date.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Mykhaylo Mudryk

Possible return date: Unknown

Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is currently serving a provisional doping ban after testing positive for meldonium; the player has been publicly supported by his manager but will remain unavailable for selection for the foreseeable future.

Written by

Darren Plant